Events Archives - East Cheshire Hospice

Andrew Smith Funeral Services are the latest to sign up for the Starlight Walk

A team from Andrew Smith Funeral Services are the latest to sign up for the Starlight Walk at Capesthorne Hall on Thursday, April 18.

They could have one of the biggest representations at the East Cheshire Hospice event with around 16 walkers.

Funeral director Richard Morrey said: “Some members of our team, their partners, friends and even a few of our dogs are taking part.”

Richard raised funds for the charity at the Fire and Ice Walk last year in memory of his late father Eric, a patient of the Hospice in 2017.

Labradoodle Ted, aged eight, will join his owner Andrew Smith for the Starlight Walk.

Richard said: “Rather than running over broken glass and hot coals, it will be gentle exercise and a leisurely stroll this time.”

Owner Andrew Smith said: “We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with East Cheshire Hospice and are pleased to help support them where we can.

“We’re all looking forward to taking part in the Starlight Walk this year. It’s the first time we’ve taken part and it should be a great team event.”

Starlight walkers from Andrew Smith Funeral Services. From left, Julie Kidd, Richard Morrey, Samantha Bridges, Andrew Smith, Julie Arrowsmith, Simon Goodwin and Angela Owen.

The company is part of the Hospice’s 500 Club.

Early bird entry to the Starlight Walk is £20 for adults and £15 for under 16s, with the standard entry of £22.50 and £17.50 applying from March 19.

Walkers cover a 2.5 Kilometre loop through the woodland as often as they wish.  For many it is a chance to remember lost loved ones.

Gates open at 6 pm with live entertainment and refreshments. The walk is from 7 pm.

* To enter visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/starlight-walk/

Luke Hughes, the newest addition to the Hospice’s fundraising team

March through March is the latest fundraising challenge announced by East Cheshire Hospice.

One of the organisers is Luke Hughes, the newest addition to the Hospice’s fundraising team.

The new initiative dares supporters to cover 300,000 steps next month while raising a minimum of £50 in the process.

Luke, a community and events assistant for three months, said: “March through March is for everyone, whether you’re a regular walker or just starting out.

“It’s your challenge and you can walk or run on your own, or team up with family and friends.

“Supporters can do it in their own time at their own pace and every step counts towards raising funds to care for patients with life-limiting illnesses.”

Luke Hughes who has joined the fundraising team at East Cheshire Hospice.

It is one of several campaigns Luke and colleagues in the fundraising team have lined up for the year.

He said: “We’ve a jam-packed programme of events. I’ve been at the Hospice for three months and love the fact it’s such a busy and varied role.

“That’s what I was looking for after completing my degree at the University of Leeds last year. I’m really happy here and have already seen that we serve such a close community.

“I helped with the Christmas tree collection and couldn’t believe the numbers of volunteers who came together to support the Hospice cause.”

Luke is co-ordinating a group of Hospice fundraisers taking part in a Born Survivor event at Capesthorne Hall on Saturday, April 27.

The Open Gardens event, in which supporters invite the public to their home, is another project he is closely involved in. A bungee jump and a 5k run with inflatables are also planned with details announced soon.

Luke Hughes who has joined the fundraising team at East Cheshire Hospice.

Luke is studying an events management diploma to increase his knowledge of the industry.

He said: “I worked in retail while I figured out what I wanted to do and discovered I had a passion for events and fundraising. The community side of it is new to me, but I love it and the job ticks all the boxes.

“I love the variety of the events industry and am excited by all the activities planned we’re planning at the Hospice.”

* To sign up for March through March visit the Hospice website.

Sign up now to get the best discount for the popular Starlight Walk

Sign up now to get the best discount for the popular Starlight Walk at Capesthorne Hall on Thursday, April 18.

The cheapest ‘super early bird’ tickets priced £17.50 for adults and £12.50 for under 16s are available until February 18.

The price changes the following day to £20 and £15 respectively for the ‘early bird’ offer before the standard entry of £22.50 and £17.50 applies from March 19.

Almost 400 supporters took part last year and another bumper turn out is expected this time with walkers covering a 2.5k loop through beautiful woodland multiple times if they wish.

Starlight Walk Pic 1 – Walkers prepare to set off at last year’s Starlight Walk.

The walk, organised by East Cheshire Hospice, is an emotional journey for many, giving them a chance to remember lost loved ones.

The dusk walk will have lighting, lanterns, fire pits, points of reflection and other features to enjoy along the way.

Walkers are encouraged to raise funds for the Hospice to help fund the care of patients.

Starlight Walk Pic 2 – En route through the woods at Capesthorne Hall.

There will be live entertainment with food and drink stalls.

Community and Events Fundraiser Claire Gorton said: “The whole family is welcome to this moving and uplifting evening of remembrance.

Starlight Walk Pic 3 – A floodlit route awaits Starlight Walk entrants. 

“Our annual memory walk is an opportunity to come together and remember loved ones in a really special way.”

Well-behaved dogs are welcome and there will be no fireworks. The walking route is not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

* To register visit the Hospice website.

The BIG Quiz Night success

Where is the latest venue to host a quiz in aid of East Cheshire Hospice?

Full marks if the answer is AstraZeneca on Charter Way, Macclesfield, where 34 teams tackled brain teasers set by the charity’s quiz support group.

Quiz experts Waters Green Weavers came out on top, finishing three points clear of their nearest challengers.

Entrants included hosts AZ and other businesses, plus Marlborough Primary School the regular quiz venue.

Quiz 2 – The triumphant Waters Green Weavers team.

Twice as many teams took part due to a bigger capacity at AZ, which has the Hospice as one of its chosen charities.

Co-host Paul Morrissey, an ex-AZ employee and Hospice Vice President, said : “Initially we wondered whether we’d get enough teams to fill the space at AZ, but the fact we got so many teams was amazing and we even had to turn teams away on the morning of the quiz.

“We wanted a bigger venue so we could attract more teams and we succeeded in that.

Quiz teams ready to do battle at AstraZeneca.

“It’s no reflection whatsoever on Marlborough who’re also fantastic hosts. We have around three quizzes a year and our summer event which tends to be less well attended due to holidays makes Marlborough the perfect location.”

The quiz raised £5,000 with the next edition planned for early next year.

Hospice fundraiser Carley Macey said: “The quiz group have been running these fun nights for several years and once again there was a terrific response from supporters. We’d especially like to thank AstraZeneca for their help.”

Hospice Chaplain takes on Fire and Ice Walk

East Cheshire Hospice Chaplain Marion Tugwood is the latest to accept the brave challenge of a Fire and Ice Walk.

There are still a few spaces left if you can pluck up the courage to tread on hot coals and broken glass.

There is a choice of one or both challenges on Thursday, November 9, at Macclesfield Rugby Club.

Hospice Chaplain Marion Tugwood who is tackling a Fire and Ice Walk.

Funeral director Richard Morrey persuaded Marion to take part. He said: “I know Marion very well and encouraged her to get out of her high heels and walk on hot coals.”

Marion said: “I’m happy to take up the challenge, especially as the event is about raising funds for the Hospice. In for a penny in for a pound, so I’ll be doing both the Fire and Ice walks.”

Richard did the fire challenge in 2018. He said: “It was wonderful. The coaching instructor was amazing and we felt so invigorated by the end of his talk.

“They explained everything during the safety briefing and said that it won’t hurt and doesn’t burn. The advice is just to follow their simple rules.

Last year’s Fire Walk at East Cheshire Hospice.   

 

“I’ve watched a couple of You Tube videos of glass walks and trust the staff organising it. I’ll believe everything they tell me.

“It’s a question of mind over matter basically and putting one foot in front of the other and being careful.”

* To enter the Fire and Ice walks visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/fire-and-ice-walk/

Richard Morrey takes on Fire and Ice Walk

Funeral director Richard Morrey sees for himself the care given by East Cheshire Hospice.

The nature of his work with Andrew Smith Funeral Services means he has regular contact with families using its services.

He can also vouch personally, as well as professionally, for the Hospice after his late father Eric was a patient there in 2017.

Plenty of reasons then for Richard to take part in a Fire and Ice Walk in aid of the charity on Thursday, November 9, at Macclesfield Rugby Club, from 6 pm.

Richard said: “The Hospice were very good to me and my family when my father passed away.

Funeral director Richard Morrey.

“He spent three weeks at the Hospice and the care for him, my mum Lynda and the rest of our family was first class.

“I’ve been involved with them since I started in the funeral industry 12 years ago. They’re a wonderful organisation.

“My father was a herdsman and also did a lot of work for the council as a youth leader.

“I also know the care they give to people because I speak to families every day arranging funerals.

“Families who come into the Hospice say the same as me. The care is amazing and I try to encourage as many people as possible to donate to the Hospice or fundraise for them.

“I went to see a gentleman there who wanted to chat through his wishes, and his family were saying how staff rally round and support them. It’s also such a calming environment.”

Andrew Smith Funeral Services is a member of the charity’s 500 Club which means they pledge to raise £500 each year for the Hospice.

Richard Morrey with his certificate after his first Fire Walk. 

Richard, an employee for more than eight years, said: “We’re keen to support the Hospice in every way we can. We know the Hospice is pretty much self-funded for everything that happens there and we want to help.”

Older sister Justine took part in a late-night walk for the Hospice shortly after their father died.

Richard said: “I wanted to up the ante on my sister so I did the Firewalk in 2018 and now I’m looking go one stage further by walking on both glass and fire.”

* To sponsor Richard visit justgiving.com/page/richard-morrey-1690378079152

Pie and Pint Follow Up

A countryside walk for East Cheshire Hospice was blessed with sunshine after a washout last time.

It rained so heavily in 2022 that it resembled a sponsored swim more than a scenic stroll.

But thankfully blues skies greeted this year’s Pie and Pint challenge, sponsored by Holdcroft Motor Group.

 All smiles as walkers prepare to set off.

Organiser Claire Gorton said: “We were lucky with warm and sunny weather after so much rain last time.

“There were so many puddles at the previous event, but it didn’t put off walkers who loyally returned to support us again and we were rewarded with perfect conditions.”

The weather was so severe last time the Hospice switched the event from February to September, with the challenge again ending with a pie and a pint to soothe aching muscles.

Walkers tackle the 10k Pie and Pint challenge. 

Dozens took part in the latest 10k walk, raising more than £6,500, with Hospice mascot Sunny the Dog drawing curious looks from canine friends at the start at Macclesfield Rugby Club.

Claire, Hospice community and events fundraiser, said: “We had all ages taking part and we’re so grateful to everyone – participants, volunteers, the rugby club, Maggie who provided the tasty pies and Holdcroft, our sponsors.

“These events are vital in engaging the local community, raising awareness and funds for the Hospice which receives fewer than 18 per cent of funds from government.

En route through Over Alderley, Mottram St Andrew, Prestbury and Dale Brow.

“That means we must raise more than £7,500 every single day to provide our services free of charge to those in our community.”

Participants were invited to watch Macclesfield’s rugby team in action afterwards.

Snap up a ticket to ‘Living in the 80’s’

The owner of a family company staging a show in aid of East Cheshire Hospice has been overwhelmed by the level of local business support.

Adlington-based Intersafety is hoping to raise £5,000 from a special concert at MADS Theatre on Saturday, October 14, at 7.45 pm.

Local Intersafety customers are snapping up tickets and programme sponsorship for ‘Living in the 80s’ by The Cinema Show, which documents significant milestones during that decade.

The instrumental group combine 80s retro sounds with large screen film footage.

Tony Skelton from Intersafety

Intersafety, founded 21 years ago, distributes personal protective equipment, clothing and workplace safety products.

Managing Director Tony Skelton commented: “I’ve been delighted at how willing and generous local businesses have been in supporting the Hospice by co-sponsoring this event with us.

“The charity is held in such high regard in Macclesfield, everyone connects with them at some level. It doesn’t matter who you speak with – someone has had a friend or relative who’s gone through the Hospice process.

“We asked our customers to support this concert and their response has been incredible. If we can raise £5,000, what a great story this is for the town in which we trade.

“All companies recognise the benefits commercially. It sends out a positive message and we’re all aware of our social and corporate responsibility.”

The show captures the dawn of mobile phones, MTV, Live Aid and outrageous 80s fashion.

* Tickets are priced at £9 (£5 for under-15s). Order online at ticketsource.co.uk/the-cinema-show.

Bollington-based company supports Pie and Pint

Barry Jones licked his lips when he signed up for a Pie and a Pint challenge.

But he was unaware a 10k walk was also part of the East Cheshire Hospice event on Saturday, September 16, from 10 am.

Barry said: “I didn’t realise it was a walk – I thought it was just a pie and a pint, but never mind.

“I like a pint and enjoy a pie now and then. I play football occasionally and train my son’s team, but that’s about as energetic as I get.”

Madison O’Neill (left) and Barry Jones with Lisa Ball, corporate fundraiser at East Cheshire Hospice.

Barry works in the sales team at Cutler Cleaning Supplies Ltd which provides cleaning and janitorial products for the Hospice.

The Bollington-based company has also joined the 500 club which means it donates £500 to the charity each year.

Sales manager Madison O’Neill, who is a keen walker, will join Barry on the walk.

He said: “We support the Hospice as much as possible and regularly donate surplus stock.”

There are still spaces left in the walk, sponsored Holdcroft. To enter visit www.echospice.org.uk/pie-and-pint

The route starts and ends at Macclesfield Rugby Club, visiting Over Alderley, Mottram St Andrew, Prestbury and Dale Brow.

Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult or have written permission. Tickets include a non-alcoholic drink for those under age.

Walkers need to wear suitable clothing and footwear, preferably walking boots and waterproofs rather than trainers due to the challenging route. Entrants receive a pie and a pint at the finish.

Starlight Walk’s huge success!

More than 400 walkers defied wet and chilly conditions at a Starlight Walk at Capesthorne Hall.

The East Cheshire Hospice event was a major triumph on a night of nostalgia for the Hospice.

The walk returned to the venue for the first time since 2019 and saw the biggest turnout for a Hospice event since pre-Covid.

The Starlight Walk at Capesthorne Hall.

Challenge Events co-ordinator Bethan Wade was thrilled with its success. She said: “It was great to have everyone back together again at such a fabulous location which is a big part of the walk’s history.

“The pandemic prevented gatherings of this scale and tonight our loyal supporters are back in large numbers raising thousands of pounds for the Hospice. We’ve lots of suppliers here and Hospice merchandise is available.”

Health care assistant Pam Webster told walkers how vital funds are providing care for patients.

 

The dusk walk, sponsored by Ford dealers Sidney Jackson, saw participants cover a 2.5km loop through woodland carpeted with bluebells.

Curtis Connors and Leah Hrywnak with cocker spaniel Lola Bear.

For many it was an emotional journey remembering lost loved ones.

Nicola John, from Macclesfield, honoured mum Suzanne Kerr (68) who died of lung and oesophageal cancer several weeks ago. Nicola was joined by daughter Alice, aged 10.

Nicola John and daughter Alice.

Suzanne, an HR employee at HMP Styal, spent five weeks as a patient at the Hospice. Late relatives Ivor and Christine Bardsley were also treated there.

Alice said: “My granny was amazing and it’s nice that we can remember her tonight. We’re hoping to do four laps of the course and aren’t worried about the rain.”

Nicola and Suzanne did the walk several years ago dressed in pink tutus.

Walkers getting in the mood at Capesthorne Hall.

Leah Hrywnak and partner Curtis Connors sported the Ukrainian flag on their tops. Leah’s family are from Kiev and her late grandad, known as Wolly, was cared for by the Hospice.

Leah said: “I’ve still got relatives who are safe and well thankfully in Ukraine and it’s heart-breaking what’s happening over there.” Her uncle Wayne Baxter was also a Hospice patient.

Members of Kelly Marie Fitness.

Fitness trainer Kelly Marie Hancock was joined by eight fellow members of her exercise group who work out in her back garden in Bollington.

All were remembering lost friends and relatives, including Sirje whose late mum Karen Green was a daycare patient.

Louise Delany (left) and Colette Sharpe.

There was plenty of canine company for walkers with Romanian rescue dog Murphy accompanying Hospice commercial manager Louise Delany and friend Colette Sharpe, a teacher at Macclesfield Academy.

Ready for the off…walkers at the start line.

Walkers enjoying the scenic route.